This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
02/03/2015 11:00 PMGreg Lee has consistently worked hard both on and off the mat for Morgan wrestling the last four years and he's well on the way to going out on a high note in a superb senior season.
The 182-pound tri-captain grappler came off a junior run that saw him finish fourth in his draw at states. However, this winter Greg is on pace to place even higher as he's fought to a 16-5 mark-including a first-place finish at the Griswold Invitational on Jan. 17.
"Having a little bit more knowledge and experience of the game goes a long way and I've been getting a little bit more experience each year," says Greg, who also captained Huskies' football as a linebacker the past two seasons. "I also had a great year last year, too, and the few losses have made me better for states. I feel I'm having a good season, which is making it a lot more fun."
Head Coach Erik Leiss praises Greg as much for his intangibles and class as he does for his all-around athletic abilities.
"Greg is wrestling better than he ever has. His work ethic is second to none, which makes him such a good captain," says Leiss. "He is the perfect example of what I want every Morgan wrestler to be. Win or lose, Greg handles himself with maturity that many high school athletes have not yet developed."
When it comes to his diligence, Greg is surrounded by a perfect environment that aids his determination and drive. He's also aware that timely preparation is an essential prerequisite for success.
"My mat partner [fellow senior captain] Jordan Corrigan comes to practice, works hard, and helps me. Having someone to push you, along with Coach Leiss, is really great, as well," Greg says. "I look at it as that you have to make your own success and, if you don't put in the work and give your best effort, then you aren't succeeding."
Greg doesn't lose many matches, but when he does, he goes into a deep thought process that involves him analyzing the negatives and turning them into positives to help him in his subsequent clashes.
"In learning from losses, I look at it from a technical standpoint in evaluating what opportunities didn't I take advantage of, what did I do wrong, and certain moves that did or didn't work," says Greg. "I'm glad to see some great wrestlers in Class S early on this year to help me get ready for states."
Looking at Greg and the Huskies' postseason prospects, the fact that they're punching in their time cards for long days at the office can only increase their odds of clocking out with championship gold.
"I think we are coming along nicely as a team. We have a bunch of younger kids that have also gotten work in, too," says Greg, who thanks his parents, Lori and Craig, along with his coaches and teammates. "We are putting in the work together and our outing at states depends on how we wrestle, but we will be a contender because we are putting in the work."